If a label asks u for -3dB tracks?

acos1 · Post by **acos1** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:50 pm

If a label asks u for -3dB tracks to master them does that mean u apply no compression, eq etc. and they do all the mastering from there. or does it mean they just bring up the overall level and u can eq and parralell compress certain elements as u would if u were mastering yourself but u just give them the -3dB audio?

clubfoot · Post by **clubfoot** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:56 pm

they just want a bit of headroom for when they do the mastering - they might want to boost some particular frequency so they'll need the space to do it. so just make sure the maximum level on your master hits -3db and you'll be fine. Bear in mind, they're likely to do some compressing in the mastering so you should hold back on compression yourself.

fredrik_h · Post by **fredrik_h** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:31 pm

isn't it usually -0.3 db? that's what mastering engineers always said to me when it has come to vinyl pressing...

victorgonzales · Post by **victorgonzales** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:41 pm

just turn the volume down.

svenlito · Post by **svenlito** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 10:18 pm

victorgonzales wrote:just turn the volume down.

Storlon · Post by **Storlon** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:24 am

And to be sure it's at the right level, download inspector (free)

http://www.rogernicholsdigital.com/inspector.html

::BLM:: · Post by **::BLM::** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:23 am

I run fear of flying, we ask all of our producers to take off compression etc.. on the master out. The reason for this is cause the mastering engineer needs or likes as much headroom as possible.

nubianmindz · Post by **nubianmindz** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:46 pm

I wish ppl in d&b would take note....everybody's tunes nowadays are limited & compressed to death just so they can be louder than the next guys.

Nobody's worked out that making a piece of crap ultra loud doesn't make the crap sound any better,it's just louder.